Ohio settles suit alleging deep-seated problems in youth prisons

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The state on Thursday settled a lawsuit alleging serious problems with its juvenile detention system. One report called Ohio's use of solitary confinement ``unconstitutional on its face.''
The Department of Youth Services said the settlement calls for as much as $30 million in additional annual spending and hiring more than 100 extra guards.

The state will also hire additional psychologists, nurses, social workers and teachers, improve its off-hours programs for children and revamp its program for sex offenders.
The settlement ends legal challenges that began in 2004 with allegations of excessive force being used against girls at the Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility.

A report released late last year found Ohio's youth prisons are overcrowded and understaffed and fail to educate children behind bars or keep them safe.

It also found excessive use of force is common and ingrained in the operations of the agency.
A judge must still approve the settlement filed Thursday in federal court in Columbus. [MORE]